As many colleagues try to work while navigating fear, Shani Newbold explores how leaders can offer support.
The past few days have been a blur of exhaustion and raw emotion. I've oscillated between screaming at my TV and silent, stunned reflection on the hatred scarring our nation's streets — and inevitably, our workplaces.
Yesterday, my uncle sent my mum a message. It wasn't a greeting or family news — it was a chilling list of times, addresses, locations across the country where a 70-year-old Black woman wouldn't be safe. My mum — a retired child protection social worker who dedicated her life to public service — now can't walk through certain parks or market squares without fear.
Pause for a moment. Let that sink in.
Now, think about your colleagues, your team members. How many of them have received similar messages? How many are navigating this fear while trying to focus on work?
As leaders genuinely wanting to support your team beyond performative gestures it can be hard to know where to start. I’ve had lots of contacts reach out and ask for some guidance so I wanted to share my own approach:
Acknowledge reality: The events unfolding are profoundly affecting your colleagues. Recognise this openly and compassionately
Listen actively: Check in with team members. Create safe spaces for honest dialogue and encourage other people leaders within your organisation to do the same.
Offer concrete support: Ask what people need. Flexible working arrangements? Counselling services? Facilitated listening sessions? These aren't just nice-to-haves — they're necessities.
Support the caregivers within your organisation: Staff networks and HR teams in particular are at the sharp end of caring for staff right now, and many will also be directly impacted by unfolding events. Ensure they have a listening ear and a safe space in which to offload too.
Lead with accountability: Step up, be visible and take, meaningful action. Your commitment to addressing these issues must be unwavering and long-term.
These times are testing us all. But they also offer an opportunity to rebuild our workplaces on a foundation of genuine equity and inclusion.
To every leader reading this: What tangible actions will you take today, next week, next month to create lasting change? How will you ensure this moment catalyses real progress?
I’d urge you to share your commitments publicly. Let's hold each other to account and add to the voices of anti-racism. Let's ensure that when our children look back on this time, they see it as a turning point—not just another chapter in an endless cycle.
